SUNY Schenectady to Offer New Degree in Programming for Gaming Design

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The computer gaming industry is booming and through a new academic program that was recently approved at SUNY Schenectady, students will now have the opportunity to begin their education in the Electric City on the path to employment in this ever-expanding industry.

As part of the new Programming for Game Design A.S. degree program, which will be offered at SUNY Schenectady for the first time during the Fall 2019 semester, students will take courses to design and code websites, learn programming languages, and develop an electronic portfolio of game design elements, in addition to courses in math, business, science and the humanities.

“Course instruction is intended to simulate the industry work environment through innovative lab spaces and collaborative learning experiences,” explained Dr. Penny Haynes, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs/Provost.

Students will also have the advantage of being able to transfer seamlessly into the B.S. degree program in Interactive Media and Game Design at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) through a new transfer agreement recently signed by officials from both institutions.

“At SUNY Schenectady we always have our finger on the pulse of growing industries and opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY Schenectady. “Through the new Programming for Game Design degree program, we will provide students with a solid foundation in programming and coding courses as they build an electronic portfolio, as well as a direct pathway for them to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at SUNY Poly,” Dr. Moono said.

Ann Fleming Brown, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, added, “Our new Programming for Game Design degree is another example of SUNY Schenectady’s mission to provide students with a personalized education and bridges to both the workplace and four-year degrees.”

The new program responds to the growth in the computer gaming industry both locally and nationally over the last decade based upon advances in game design, popularity of game play, and the applications for which gaming is being used in fields as diverse as education, psychology, and criminal justice.

Looking ahead, data from the New York State Department of Labor shows that between 2016 and 2026 the job market in the area of computer programming is expected to enjoy robust growth with opportunities for software developers expected to grow by 36.5 percent and other occupations in the industry by 10.6 percent by 2026 (https://www.labor.ny.gov/stats/lsproj.shtm).

“SUNY Schenectady has a long history of creating new opportunities for our residents in growing workforce fields such as biotechnology, aviation, culinary arts, and healthcare,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We can now add gaming design to this list as we continue to provide our students with the skills and experience necessary to pursue the jobs of the future.”

“We recently announced that the Capital Region’s first eSports gaming facility will be located in downtown Schenectady,” said Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority. “The new Gaming Design degree program at SUNY Schenectady gives companies in this fast growing sector another reason to consider establishing operations in Schenectady County.”

About SUNY SchenectadyFounded in 1969, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY Schenectady is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through transferable degree and certificate programs, affordable tuition, strong student support services and a personalized approach to learning, SUNY Schenectady provides students with a regionally-acclaimed education that empowers them to take the next step in their lives. SUNY Schenectady offers degree and certificate programs through the:

School of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism

School of Music

Division of Business, Criminal Justice, and Law

Division of Liberal Arts

Division of Math, Science, Technology, and Health

SUNY Schenectady also offers an array of Workforce Development and Community Education services and non-credit courses. Learn more by visiting: www.sunysccc.edu.